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8 Days & 7 Nights | Botswana

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Santawani Concession (Okavango Delta) &
Greater Chobe

HIGHLIGHTS

GREAT FOR

Honeymooners – see Botswana on a budget after your big day

Families – child-friendly, down-to-earth accommodation throughout

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Game drives

Nature walks

Cultural tours

Birding

Night drives

Seasonal boating

Seasonal mekoro rides

River cruise

Bicycling

BEST TIME TO GO

High Season:  July to October

Green Season:  November to June

OVERVIEW

The beauty of Botswana is its diversity of landscapes and wildlife, which this balanced and affordable itinerary makes the most of. Starting in the safari capital of Maun, you venture to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a semi-desert wonderland of meerkats, baobabs and one of the longest terrestrial mammal migrations in the world.

Then is off the dazzling Okavango Delta, a safari must-do on everyone’s bucket list. And no Botswana journey is complete without time on the inimitable Chobe River, a boating paradise of elephant families, colossal crocodiles and exceptional birdlife.

This trip is specially designed to embrace tented accommodation that is comfortable without being over the top. It also incorporates road transfers to keep costs down even further while never sacrificing game viewing.

THIS ITINERARY WAS DESIGNED BY JOANNE

I lived in Botswana’s safari capital – Maun – for seven years where I worked as everything from a camp manager to a travel agent. Being in the epicentre allowed me experience innumerable lodges first-hand and understand how the Okavango’s fluctuating levels affect your safari.

TRIP SUMMARY

DURATION

7 Nights / 8 Days

DESTINATIONS VISITED

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Santawani Concession, Okavango Delta

Greater Chobe

DAILY ITINERARY

After flying into Maun at midday, you will meet your driver-guide and immediately set off for Meno A Kwena, a tented camp on the banks of the Boteti River of Makgadikgadi National Park. A comfortable drive of around two hours sees you head out on tarmac before going ‘off-road’ for a short distance to get you into the safari spirit.

Your days here will be filled with game drives, nature walks with Bushmen to understand indigenous knowledge of the land trips to the pure white pans.

Why we love Meno A Kwena Tented Camp:

  • Large tents with spacious decks overlooking the Boteti River
  • Family-friendly camp with a laid-back atmosphere
  • Easy driving distance to and from Maun
  • Access to the incredible Makgadikgadi Pans

After returning to Maun, you depart from the airport on a light-aircraft flight to a private concession lying adjacent to the iconic Moremi Game Reserve in the south-eastern part of the Okavango Delta. Meaning ‘Mother Buffalo’, this is a great-value, family-friendly tented camp where off-roading and night drives are permitted.

From about July to October, it may be possible to set out on a traditional dugout canoe, called a mokoro, to discover pristine parts of the dazzling Delta.

Why we love Mma Dinare:

  • Off-roading, night drives and vehicle limits at sightings
  • Lovely views of the Gomoti River floodplain
  • Lies in a private concession between the Delta and Moremi
  • Excellent value in a superb location for game viewing

It is always sad to wave goodbye but fortunately another exciting adventure awaits you. This time you fly to the town of Kasane in the north of Botswana and are transferred by road to Tlouwana Camp. Lying in a more rural area, Tlouwana (meaning ‘baby elephant’) allows you to extend the safari feeling for a little longer.

Your days are spent exploring the nearby Chobe National Park, famous for large herds of buffalo, rare antelope like sable and roan, and elephant breeding herds.

Why we love Tlouwana Camp:

  • Huge family tent perfect for younger children
  • Great value for money in Greater Chobe
  • Fenced camp so extra security for little ones
  • Away from the hustle and bustle of Kasane

Whether your first safari or first time to Botswana, this fun-filled and affordable trip hits all the right notes. You will have gone on game drives in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, explored towering baobabs and wide rivers, and been dazzled by the night sky.

Today you transfer back to Kasane for your flight home (via Maun) or – if you like – you could add a few days at the world-famous Victoria Falls, which are just a short border crossing away!

INCLUDED*

  • All activities specified
  • All transfers specified
  • All meals, drinks and sundowners specified
  • Laundry if specified

EXCLUDED*

  • International flights
  • Items from the safari shop
  • Pre- and post-itinerary accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance, tests and vaccinations where stipulated
  • Tips / gratuities

* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.

PRICE IS IMPORTANT

This itinerary is here to inspire you and prices may change due to availability, season and the year that you plan to travel.